Chicago Woman Dies After Fall From San Diego Cliff

UIC says Anna Bachman was a student at the school seeking a Master's Degree in urban planning

A Chicago woman posing for a picture fell to her death in San Diego Sunday evening, according to police in the California city.

Police, firefighters and lifeguards responded to a cliff rescue in an area called Sunset Cliffs around 5:30 p.m. PST. Police said the 25-year-old woman fell between 40 and 50 feet down the cliffs.

The University of Illinois Chicago confirmed the woman, Anna Bachman, was a student at the school seeking a Master's Degree in urban planning.

Officials said Bachman was visiting her sister, who witnessed the accident. Bystanders rushed to save her but were unable to revive her.

Police were treating the incident as an accident and said they had no indication alcohol was involved.

"All indications are this was just a terrible, tragic accident," San Diego Police Lt. Paul Phillips said.

The stretch of striking cliffs bordering the ocean in San Diego's Point Loma neighborhood is a popular spot for recreation and watching the sunset. Resident Alycia Van Dover said people don't understand how dangerous the cliffs can be.

"I haven't see anyone fall off a cliff, but I have seen people get way too close," Van Dover said.

Phillips emphasized the need for caution when visiting the cliffs.

"You never know if there is some moisture on the rocks or what the case may be, but you've got to be careful," he said.

Police shut down roads in the area as crews retrieve the body. Crisis counselors were also called for the victim's sister and for people who witnessed the fall.

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